A retailer has said that vegetable seeds are outselling flower seeds in Britain as more people practice frugality, self-sufficiency and healthier living.

The retailer B&Q said that vegetable seed sales have increased nearly threefold in recent weeks when compared with the same time last year, which also saw a record increase of 30 percent over the year before,

According to the company, of all seed sales at B&Q in recent weeks, 78 percent were vegetable seeds and 22 percent flower seeds. A decade ago, roughly 70 percent of all seeds sold were flower seeds.

Sales of greenhouses, potting benches and shovels and forks have increased by 40 percent this year, said B&Q horticultural manager Steve Guy. The best-selling seeds are the classics: Onions, carrots, peas, beans, tomatoes and lettuce.

Guy further added, "Last year saw people give growing theisssr own a go, and this spring we're seeing that last year's novices are now this year's enthusiasts." (With Inputs from Agencies)